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<blogEntry id="1164">
	<title><![CDATA[Saying Hello and Goodbye]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #27
Thursday, October 28, 2004 – 7:30pm

Watchi-waza still in progress.

SHIHONAGE VARIATIONS
The entire class was based on shihonage.  By the end of class was had seen 8 different shihonage-based techniques, and John Sensei said we had just scratched the surface of what he wanted to show us.  He said he didn’t even get through half of what he wanted to cover just in this one class!  Cool stuff! :cool:

I had spoken with Sensei before class about my injuries and said I’d able to get back on the mat as soon as my ankle is better (maybe next week), but that I’d have to modify my seiza forever.  Also, I’d have to totally avoid any right arm activities until my elbow gets better (probably several more weeks).  During class, we both said it was a good thing I was doing watchi-waza for the shihonage class.  I might have to sit out classes like that in the future if my elbow isn’t ready.  There were very few things I could’ve done if I were out there.

HELLO
We’re getting a new student!  He studied Yoshokai Aikido for about 3 ½ years.  I’m not sure if he stopped, for how long, or why he’s starting up with us, but I’m sure he’ll feel welcome.  I recognize a lot of my old style when I watch him practice.  I think we’ll get along great.  I’ll be curious if he plans on staying.  Will he have to re-test, like I’m going to do, to re-establish his rank?  That should be interesting!

GOODBYE
We’ve been privileged to have a visitor for about 5 or 6 weeks.  He’s studying to be a D.O. and is doing a residency in this area.  He’s originally from Poland, but he lives in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  He’s 3rd kyu in Aikikai Aikido and has enjoyed “cross training” with us.  I only got a chance to work with him once or twice before I got sidelined.  John Sensei asked him if there were any specific things he’d like covered in his final class.  He said “shihonage”, and now you know why we had an entire class dedicated to that.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>11-02-2004</date>
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